Lakers trade news: JJ Redick makes feelings known on major roster needs after failing to contain 7-foot-3 Victor Wembanyama
JJ Redick's LA Lakers suffered a third straight loss on Monday after a second-half collapse against Victor Wembanyama's San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers led by 62-53 at the half but blew that lead in the final two quarters, tallying only 40 points. On the other hand, the Spurs scored 73. 7-foot-3 Wembanyama had 23 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks on 10 of 17 shots.
The Lakers preferred switching against him and the Spurs' perimeter players. San Antonio couldn't exploit that in the first half. But in the second, the Spurs made the Lakers pay. Every time they drew Anthony Davis out of the paint and targetted Austin Reaves in the post, they scored. Wembanyama's mere presence made LA's defense over-adjust.
Redick didn't hesitate to point out the Lakers' biggest weaknesses leading up to the trade deadline after the loss.
"Wemby being on the court, you have to kind of decide how you want to play coverage ... The point of attack just wasn't good tonight. It feels like there's no one in the paint for us."
The Lakers need a perimeter defender and another reliable center to effectively tackle big lineups. The Lakers' schemes might be the answer, but without the personnel, they are simply not effective.
Anthony Davis is their only reliable rim protector, and if he's on the perimeter, teams find it easy to exploit the paint. The reason Davis has to switch is LA's lack of point-of-attack defenders, so it's clear that they need these upgrades at the trade deadline.
LA Lakers trade rumors: Walker Kessler and Bruce Brown deals looking like the clear answer for team's woes
The LA Lakers have shown interest in candidates like Walker Kessler and Bruce Brown. Both players add a missing element on the frontcourt and backcourt. Kessler would be a massive upgrade, including in the long-term, at the five spot.
He can start or come off the bench because of his versatility on both ends. On the other hand, Brown alone covers the need for an additional ball-handler and point-of-attack defensive presence.
With Kessler only making $2.9 million, it becomes easier for the Lakers to match both salaries with the contracts they have and potential picks required in these deals.
The Lakers would have to be willing enough to move on from Rui Hachimura, one of JJ Redick's most relied-upon players. NBA trade rumors suggest LA has no intentions of trading him if the right move doesn't come by for an All-Star caliber threat.
However, Hachimura hasn't played well, and he isn't a good fit with LA having enough depth in the wing spots for now.